Econ-O-Fab Buildings is an Oregon based, family-owned, and family-operated business with 43 years of experience in pole building construction. We are licensed, bonded, and insured; a long-time member of the National Frame Builders Association; and carry an A+ with the Better Business Bureau. We are open weekdays and can assist you with any questions that you may have or with a free pole building quote at (503) 985-1808. Feel free tosend us anemail or fill out our quote request form.

We at Econ-O-Fab Buildings realize that creating value can be affordable. We can help you increase the value of your property with our quick and economical pole building construction. We also like to keep costs down by working directly with the customer instead of working as a subcontractor. Our buying process is very easy, and we will guide you step-by-step along the way.

The sky is the limit when it comes to pole building uses. Typically pole barns are constructed for uses such as a garage, shop, workshop, shed, greenhouse, carport, barn, outdoor storage, outbuilding, horse arena, tack rooms, and lean-too sheds. However, if you think outside the box pole buildings can be used for just about anything. We've seen pole buildings used as a structure to house an indoor pool, a cover for a basketball court, a home gym facility, a hobby room, an airplane hangar, and even a cabin or house. Basically, we construct the shell of the building and you can convert the interior to anything you'd like. Below is some information on each type of pole building we construct: residential, commercial, agricultural, horse barns, storage sheds, and greenhouses.

RESIDENTIAL POLE BUILDINGS

Residential pole buildings can be used as a garage to house your vehicles; a shop to store your RV, ATV's, toys and the like; a workshop, a recreational room, and much more. Building options and sizes are custom designed to fit your needs.

Agricultural pole barns can be used for multiple purposes whether you need a place to house your animals or a dry space for grain and storage. We offer gable and monitor style pole barns, and lean-too additions to new or existing buildings.

Our horse barns and riding arenas are a great option for your equine needs. Pole buildings are the best option if you are needing more space on a budget. If you're in need of a tack room, we also offer smaller post-framed buildings for storage purposes.

If your house is feeling a little cramped, maybe it's time to build a storage shed for all of your "stuff". You can store household, garage, or garden items in our economical storage sheds. We offer a variety of colors that you can choose from to better match your house.

Pole buildings are a great option when it comes to greenhouses. We can create a dry and sturdy structure so you can regulated the conditions optional for growth. Our structures range in size from small sheds to large industrial-sized buildings.

It is always a good idea for a consumer to check out any contractor they hire. This is especially true today. The current economy has driven many “handymen”, contractors of a variety of specialties, and otherwise inexperienced people to try tackling the pole building market. Evidence of this can be seen on Internet classifieds, in local newsprint, and on every other utility pole as you drive around town. This evidence doesn't deny that these pole building hopefuls are not skilled craftsmen, but their inexperience often shows in their legal credentials.

The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) states, “most construction projects can go smoothly if consumers do their homework by checking out their contractor, setting realistic expectations, and making wise decisions during the project.” Some of the CCB’s suggestions include verifying the contractor holds an active/current license, bond, and liability insurance. A consumer should check for a history of disputes or disciplinary actions. The CCB also suggests that a consumer asks the contractor for references and checks with previous customers. Further information can be found at: http://www.oregon.gov/CCB/

In addition to the sources listed above, it’s a good idea to see if a contractor is a member of a trade association. Being a member of a trade organization can show proof of activeness in the industry. A local trade organization for the post frame industry is the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Frame Builders Association.

Comparing square foot prices between buildings typically doesn't display a fair cost analysis, at least in pole buildings. The costs of buildings trend into an economy of scale. As the square footage increases, typically the price per square foot decreases. An example would be to compare a 12' x 12' building to a 24' x 24' building. We would have a similar amount of installation time involved in both buildings, so the price per square foot would be drastically different. This comparison holds true between a building with many optional features and a very basic building.

Because of the inaccuracy of square foot pricing, we price all of our buildings based on each piece of material and the amount of time required for installation. This is how we can give you a building price and stand by it without additions during construction.

SITE PREPARATION

A well prepared site is level with adequate room to work around the building. This helps us stay organized, keep your building clean, and work safely! We can work in just about any conditions, but when asked what we need for site preparation, this is ideal.

We don't do site preparation or concrete floors because we focus on what we do best, the building construction. Although, we are happy to offer advise and help you with these aspects of your building!

OUR SCHEDULE

We ask that our customers be patient and understanding that our schedule is constantly shifting and changing each day. We can give our customers a rough approximation of when we can start their project and will narrow it down to the day as we get closer to starting their pole building.

There are many unanticipated factors that are out of our control within the building industry, but we work hard to try and limit these factors so we can stay as close to our projected start date as possible.

We find that it works best if we keep open communication with our customers in regards to our continually changing schedule in order to avoid any frustrations.

POLE BUILDING STYLES

The two main styles of pole buildings are Gable Style and Monitor Style.

GABLE STYLE

Gable style buildings are the most common and economically built pole building due to its symmetrical roof line. Many find this shape attractive due its simple and clean lines; and it compliments most styles of homes.

Gable style pole buildings are a popular choice for those in need of a shop, garage, out-building, or storage shed. It is common to see lean-too additions on a gable style pole building for added storage space.

Gable style buildings offer a large open interior space to work with. You can keep the area as an open work space, build lofts for extra storage, or frame in walls to create separate rooms within your building.

MONITOR STYLE

The monitor style pole building is popular amongst the rural, agricultural, and equine groups because of the “ranch” or “farm” style that it portrays. A monitor style building has a large center aisle with shed wings on both sides. The large center section is much taller than the attached wings.

A monitor style is perfect for raising animals as you can use the side wings for stalls, storage, and tack rooms, while leaving the center aisle open for large equipment and caring space for the animals. A second story is an option with this style of building by creating a loft in taller center aisle area.

When it comes to choosing which style of pole building is right for you, you will need take into consideration what your needs are, and what features you like, and what your budget is. Give us a call and we can help guide you through your decision making process.

ARE YOU BUILDING AN AGRICULTURAL, EQUINE, OR PERMITTED BUILDING?

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING

Approved Agricultural Building Exemption Application Required

“Agricultural Building” is a structure located on a farm and used in the operation of such farm for storage, maintenance or repair of farm machinery and equipment or for the raising, harvesting and selling of crops or in the feeding, breeding, management and sale of, or the produce of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees or for dairying and the sale of dairy products or any other agricultural or horticultural use or animal husbandry, or any combination thereof, including the preparation and storage of the produce raised on such farm for human use and animal use and disposal by marketing or otherwise.

“Agricultural Building” does not include:

(a) A dwelling;

(b) A structure used for a purpose other than growing plants in which 10 or more persons are present at one time;

(c) A structure regulated by the State Fire Marshall...;

(d) A structure used by the public; or

(e) A structure subject to... the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968...;

EQUINE FACILITY BUILDING

Approved Equine Facility Building Exemption Application Required

“Equine Facility” means a building located on a farm and used by the farm owner or the public for:

(a) Stabling or training equines; or

(b) Riding lessons and training clinics.

“Equine Facility” does not include:

(a) A dwelling;

(b) A garage;

(c) A structure in which more than 10(ten) persons are present at any time;

(d) A structure regulated by the State Fire Marshall pursuant to ORS 476

(e) A structure subject to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968

(f) A building used for storing any personal belongings (i.e. boats, RV’s, automobiles, boxes, junk, etc.)

ALL OTHER BUILDINGS

Approved Building Permit Required

“All Other” means any building being used in manner not allowing “Agricultural” or “Equine” status.

Examples of “Other Building” are:

(a) A dwelling;

(b) A garage;

(c) A shop;

(d) A storage building;

(e) A structure in which more than 10(ten) persons are present at a time;

(f) A structure regulated by the State Fire Marshall;

(g) A structure subject to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968

Required material on Permit Application:

(a) Plot plan

(b) Engineered drawings

(c) Snowload design

The source of this information is: Columbia County Land Development Services

VAPOR BARRIER

Our buildings come with a Dura-Skrim vapor barrier. This is a white polyethylene material that is installed between the roof framing and the roof metal. Dura-Skrim acts as a barrier to prevent sweating (condensation) inside the building.

We offer an option of metal building insulation in the roof and/or walls of your building. This is 2” fiberglass insulation with a polypropylene backing reinforced with tri-directional fiberglass/polyester. The benefits of this option are to add a small r-value (around r-6), sound deadening, and resistance against condensation forming inside your building.

When people think of pole buildings they automatically think of an agricultural building that houses livestock and farm equipment. Well, we’ve got news for you; pole buildings are not just for the farm!

In this day and age, many people are thinking outside the box and are taking advantage its cost effective construction. The list is as wide as your imagination can reach and includes ideas such as houses, churches, carports, auto shops, art studios, produce stands, airplane and helicopter hangers, apartments, game rooms, guest rooms, sport courts and gyms, offices, manufacturing facilities, and much more.

Auto and truck shops:

Auto and truck shops can be built to accommodate your repair, restoration, and storage needs. Pole buildings can be built tall enough to house lifts and large enough to incorporate separate rooms for painting or part inventories. Some serious maintenance individuals even build grease pits into their concrete floors.

Pole buildings make economical areas for hobby shops and art studios, with the versatility to store your household belongings under the same roof. Pole buildings are durable and strong enough to handle your messy clay and metal projects, yet can be designed for your delicate art needs as well. Many people designate one bay for their woodworking tools and another bay for their yard maintenance tools and lawnmowers. Pole buildings can even be built to incorporate living areas with your storage and workspace needs.

Put your building to work:

Business owners find pole buildings to be an economical structure to house their production facility and office space. These structures can be built with huge clear span areas to allow room for manufacturing equipment. The same building can be divided into separate offices, storage areas, break rooms, and bathrooms; while boasting an exterior that is inviting to customers.

Pole building’s design roots are on the farm, but have evolved to meet the needs of the homeowners, business owners, and recreationalist. The use, layout, and aesthetics of a pole building are only limited by your imagination.

CAN A POLE BUILDING BE A HOME?

Yes, post frame design can be used to build a home. This type of construction is prevalent in the mid west and east coast for homes and commercial structures. Post frame design is often more cost effective, depending on the plan, greatly due to the lack of a foundation and often less materials needed for framing. Much of the reason there are less materials needed for framing is because materials are used more efficiently in post frame design. Of course, the complexity of the design dictates the cost effectiveness. If the design has a roof other than a basic gable (hips & valleys) or uses large spans between the posts on the eave wall side, the cost effectiveness is diminished. Not to say a complex design can’t be done, its just not as cost effective.

Your Pole Building Contractor

Serving Oregon Since 1973!

WHAT IS A POLE BUILDING?

Pole building or pole barn construction uses large posts for its support columns in addition to trusses, wall girts, and roof purlins. Because of the larger posts and unique framing method, it can handle larger loads requiring fewer materials and labor time, which makes pole barn construction a cost effective option. For information on our different building options, click here

WHY CHOOSE A POLE BUILDING?

Pole Buildings can be used for residential, agricultural, equine, or commercial use. Post-framed construction is a viable way to meet low-cost and sustainable building needs. Pole buildings are sustainable and energy efficient because the wood materials that used are a renewable resource. Wood products also require less energy to produce versus steel. Pole barns are easy to insulate which helps conserve energy year-round in Oregon.

Other reasons why post post-frame construction is the better way to go:

- Post-frame construction reduces the disturbance to the site compared to other forms of construction.

- It uses less wood to create the structural system.

- It has a building cavity with room to accommodate insulation for energy conservation.

- It gives you the flexibility of interior design due to the absence of interior structural columns.